The Soviet Union faced several challenges in Eastern Europe. Why was Solidarity important?

Level 4: Explains two reasons. 6 marks
Level 3: Explains one reason. 4-5 marks
Four marks for one explanation, five marks for explanation supported by specific contextual knowledge.
- Solidarity was important because of the support it had for its ideas in 1980. It won support across many industries across the country. The government was forced to enter into negotiations with it. Solidarity was in such a powerful position that the government had to give in to some of its demands. It was important because it showed that communism could be challenged and it could be reformed through popular support.

Level 2: Identifies or describes valid reason(s); addresses the question but does not explain. 2-3 marks

One Level 2 mark for each identification/description.
- It led strikes in 1980 and won support across the country.
- It won the right to form an independent Trade Union.
- It had the support of 10 million people.
- The government agreed to some of the reforms it was demanding.
- It showed that people power could threaten a communist government.
- It showed how badly off people in Poland were.
- It was crushed and thousands of supporters were imprisoned.
- In 1989 it won the elections, and Walesa became the first non-communist leader in Eastern Europe.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- It was important because it was very active and had a big impact in Poland. It was around for a long time.

Accept all valid responses.
Level 0: No creditable response. 0 marks